Lenawee Christian runs past Clinton, 66-38

Big runs in each half proved to be the difference for the Lenawee Christian boys basketball team.

Getting contributions throughout their lineup, the Cougars surged to a 66-38 victory over the Clinton Redskins in a matchup of county teams Friday evening.

Nine players scored for Lenawee Christian (5-2), including three in double figures. The Cougars took control of the game with a 13-2 run to close the first quarter, then made a 13-1 run in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

"Basketball is a game of runs, and I liked that we triggered our offense from our defense," LCS coach Scott McKelvey said. "Our defense turned into our offense tonight, and if we keep our intensity turned up, we can make good things happen."

Playing in its first game in two weeks, Clinton (0-4) kept itself within striking distance with strong outside shooting in the first half, but was eventually slowed down by the Cougars' strong pressure defense.

"The effort was good and the guys played together, but our inexperience showed with some late turnovers," Clinton coach Mike Ruhl said. "We have 16 games left and a district we're eyeing, so we can't doubt ourselves. We need to figure out what works and gives us a chance to win."

LCS used its first big run to break a 7-7 tie midway through the first quarter. A 3-pointer by Grant Hohlbein and a putback by Dan Schwartz started the run, then inside baskets by Schwartz, Hohlbein, Maxwell and Brad Harrah lifted the Cougars to a 20-9 lead.

A jumper by Ryan Karapas and a 3-pointer from Jared Sackett early in the second quarter brought the Redskins back to within six, but LCS regained control with its transition game. Maxwell and Collins combined for three inside baskets and Harrah hit a pair of free throws in the closing seconds, giving the Cougars a 31-19 halftime lead.

The teams exchanged baskets early in the third quarter. Maxwell threw down a one-handed dunk to extend the Cougars' lead to 14, but Collin Poore buried a 3-pointer, bringing Clinton to within 38-27. The Redskins would get no closer as LCS made its second big surge of the night.

Schwartz's hook shot capped a run of eight straight LCS points midway through the frame. After Reid Clark hit a free throw for Clinton, Harrah scored six consecutive points, capped by a traditional 3-point play to give the Cougars a 51-28 lead.

"Clinton has quick players, and that was a point of emphasis for us," McKelvey said. "We did a good job limiting them to one shot and getting the ball down the floor."

LCS maintained its momentum early in the fourth quarter. Jesse Maguire hit a 3-pointer before Collins slammed a two-handed dunk, making it 62-33. Both teams cleared their benches down the stretch, and Jacob Baker hit a long 3-pointer with just over two minutes left, giving LCS a 66-36 lead.

"Their run in the second half demoralized us, and I don't know if that's an experience thing or a toughness thing, but it's something we need to figure out," Ruhl said. "LCS is very talented, and we needed better backside help. It's a momentum game and we have to fight."

Harrah had 16 points, five assists and four rebounds for LCS, while Maxwell finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots. Hohlbein added 12 points, and Maguire and Schwartz both scored six points.

"Brad and Grant are the motors of our operation, and they set the tempo on both sides of the floor," McKelvey said. "Our new guys have been very receptive to the points we're trying to make, and they do a good job of listening."

Clark finished with 11 points to lead the Redskins. Collin Poore and Karapas both added nine points.

The Cougars travel to Plymouth Christian today, while Clinton will host Michigan Center on Tuesday.